The fertility diet pattern

The landmark Nurses’ Health Study II (17,544 women over 8 years) identified a dietary pattern associated with 66% lower ovulatory infertility risk. The pattern emphasizes:

• Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado) over trans fats
• Plant protein over animal protein (replacing 5% of calories from animal with plant protein cut risk >50%)
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates over refined
• Full-fat dairy over low-fat
• A multivitamin and plant-based iron sources

For PCOS specifically, a meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found dietary intervention improved pregnancy, ovulation, and menstrual regularity rates, with low-carb diets showing the strongest reproductive outcomes.